Turkish Diplomat: Iran Presidential Election A Glorious Show of Democracy

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A Turkish deputy foreign minister congratulated Iran on holding a successful and democratic presidential election, describing the high turnout as a testimony to the significance that Iranians attach to the future of their country.

What happened in Iran during the Friday’s presidential election was a magnificent show of democracy, and the high voter turnout signifies that Iranian people are determined to decide their own fate, Turkish Foreign Ministry's Deputy Undersecretary Sedat Onal said in a meeting with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Pacific Affairs Ebrahim Rahimpour, held in Tehran on Sunday.

It came after 73 percent of Iranian eligible voters took part in the presidential election on Friday, which resulted in reelection of President Hassan Rouhani.

Elsewhere in the meeting, the Iranian diplomat congratulated Turkey on its success to hold a constitutional referendum, stressing that Iran respects the Turkish people’s decision and will.

Rahimpour also referred to Iran and Turkey as two “major and great” countries in the region, noting that their cooperation would contribute to settlement of the regional problems.

The two diplomats also discussed the grounds for closer economic partnership between Tehran and Ankara, as well as joint action in the fight against terrorism and human trafficking.